E. finished up with his second chemotherapy medication (the 5-FU given by IV pump for four days) on Sunday, March 8, 2009. Yup, that was the day that Peanut was born. And we're both thankful that I didn't pull out his IV in the midst of labor . . . since I'm told I got a little violent during the big event. Oops.
The couple of days in the hospital for Peanut's birth made us both very tired. As you know, the hospital is no place to get any rest. It took a bit to "bounce back" from the weekend, and for E. in his weakened state, "bouncing back" was even more difficult. He has been even more tired than usual and has been napping frequently. Thankfully, I think he is almost there, as today he seemed to have more energy and just looked a little more rested.
E. continues to receive radiation daily (although we both enjoyed the weekend off) and he's 1/4 of the way done. He's reported some immediate side effects from the radation. One day, he was light-headed and disoriented after radation and on another day, he said he felt like his hair was tingling. Today, he said he felt some hotness on his back. He did have several days of sore ears and a sore throat. It is difficult to know if his symptoms are a side effect of the chemotherapy and/or radiation, or if they are the result of a virus. The ears seem to feel better now, but his throat continues to bother him. The doctor indicated it was probably a yeast infection caused by the medication and as you may remember, it is highly probable that his entire digestive tract (from entrance to exit) will be affected with sores. For now, E. is gargling with salt water, but the doctor can also prescribe a mouthwash if need be.
On Friday and Saturday, E. had some severe abdominal cramping. It is very difficult to watch him in pain. I called the doctor who gladly prescribed some pain medication, but of course, E. didn't want to get it filled. At least we have the prescription now in case E. does decide he wants it. E. now thinks that he may have had a touch of a stomach virus, which is entirely possible. Again, it is hard to know what is a virus and what is a side effect. E.'s weight continues to be a concern. Despite his best efforts and force feeding himself, E.'s weight continues to drop. He's lost about 10 lbs. since beginning treatment. He sees both of his oncologists weekly to monitor his weight, as well as how he is responding to treatment.
On Wednesday, we have a consultation appointment with a thoracic surgeon at UCDavis. E. initially thought it would be a waste of time since we were told he wasn't a candidate for surgery and that wouldn't change unless there was a marked improvement after the chemotherapy and radiation. I, on the other hand, thought a consultation would definitely be worth our time as the surgeon may have a different opinion. Even if the surgeon agreed that the possibility of surgery would be determined after the completion of treatment, I thought that it would be helpful to already have E.'s files at UCDavis and have him be an established patient, thereby hopefully speeding up the process. And you know what? E. said I was right! (Mark that one down in history.)
E3 continues to bring us smiles every day. He is surrounded by love and showered with attention. As much as a little guy can be spoiled in one week, he is! Everywhere we go, we are told that he looks exactly like his daddy. And he does! I keep teasing E. that he's a big gene hog and I was simply the incubator for his "mini-me." I finally consoled myself that E3 had my long fingers, but that little bubble was burst when E.'s cousins and sister informed me that long fingers were a family trait. So much for that. As much as I tease him, I am thrilled that E3 shares such a resemblance with his handsome daddy. I love watching the two of them together.
S.
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